Bus strike moves up a gear in Nicaragua

Bus companies in Nicaragua stepped up their protest over the government's refusal to allow fare increases. Firms that cover routes toward the north and center of the country withdrew their services and leaders of the movement said no buses would be available in Managua within a matter of hours.

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Nicaraguan transport leaders shrugged off a government offer of a fuel subsidy and vowed to continue their strike.

At a meeting with the industry's leaders, Transport minister Fernando Martínez said it would take US$95 million to meet their demands. But – to hoots of derision – he made clear that the funds would have to come from the government rather than the Venezuelan-led Boliviarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA).

Only Managua's buses, a few taxis and a few inter-urban cooperatives are working. The beginnings of violence are being seen between transport workers who support the strike and those who still carry passengers.

Thousands of citizens who wanted to avoid problems be arriving in Managua early to start work were stymied by buses blocking the streets.

The National Transport Coordinator confirmed today that a national transport strike will begin on April 28. On April 24 (tomorrow) a national march featuring bus, taxi and tractor trucks in the Managua region.

As the actions to pressure the government were being announced, the Union of Independent Taxi co-operatives confirmed that it is ready to set up four services stations to store cheap fuel for all taxi co-operatives in Managua.